MLB Player News

Gilbreath struck out a batter in a perfect 10th inning Friday to record the save against the Dodgers.

Gilbreath earned the first save of his young career after Daniel Bard blew the save chance in the ninth. The 25-year-old had a quick 1-2-3 outing and struck out Zach McKinstry in the process. He now owns a 6.62 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 18:11 K:BB over 17.2 innings and likely won't be considered for many saves in the future with such poor numbers.

Bard (5-5) blew a save chance Friday but ended up earning the win after allowing a run on two hits and two walks while striking out three over an inning against the Dodgers.

Bard entered in the ninth trying to protect a one-run lead. He allowed two singles and a walk to load the bases before walking Justin Turner to knot the game up. The right-hander would then go on to strike out the next three batters to get out of the jam and extend the game. The Rockies went on to score three runs in the 10th, giving Bard his fifth win of the year. The 36-year-old owns a 3.98 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 53:20 K:BB and has 15 saves over 40.2 innings this year.

Melancon gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his 30th save of the season in a 5-2 win over the Marlins.

The veteran closer continues to thrive in San Diego. Melancon leads the majors in saves by a wide margin, as Liam Hendriks and Alex Reyes are tied for second with 23, and he's blown just one of his last 12 chances. On the season, Melancon carries a 2.09 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 36:16 K:BB through 43 innings.

Diaz struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his 20th save of the season in a 3-0 win over the Blue Jays.

The right-hander was dialed in, firing nine of 10 pitches for strikes while carving up the heart of the Toronto order. The performance was a far cry from Diaz's previous few efforts as he'd blown three straight save chances coming into Friday, but Mets manager Luis Rojas doesn't seem ready to yank him from the closer spot quite yet.

Thompson allowed one run on one hit and one walk while striking out two in three innings to earn the save against the Diamondbacks on Friday.

Thompson entered Friday's game in the seventh inning with the Cubs leading 8-2. Although he gave up a solo home run to Daulton Varsho in the top of the ninth, he otherwise held the Diamondbacks in check to earn his first career save. The right-hander has now posted a 2.27 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 39.2 innings this season, but he likely won't see much high-leverage action.

Cleavinger was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Cleavinger has been effective while serving mainly as a low-leverage reliever in the majors this year, as he's posted a 2.12 ERA and 1.59 WHIP in 17 innings across 20 appearances (one start). The southpaw will now head to the minors after Darien Nunez was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move.

Graterol will be recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Graterol was sent to the minors in early July, but he'll rejoin the big-league club ahead of Friday's series opener against the Rockies after Max Muncy was placed on the paternity list. The right-hander has posted a 6.75 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in four innings across five relief appearances this year.

Kranick was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Kranick started Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks, and he allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out three in three innings. He'll now attempt to right the ship with the Triple-A club. The Pirates haven't yet announced who could fill his place in the starting rotation, but right-hander Luis Oviedo (quadriceps) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move.

Bellatti was designated for assignment by the Marlins on Friday.

Bellatti's contract was selected by Miami on Monday, and he allowed five runs on six hits and a walk while striking out two in 2.1 innings across two relief appearances. He'll now be cast off the 40-man roster to make room for Deven Marrero.

Williams (elbow) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Williams has been able to throw off flat ground since early in the week, but he's now close to resuming mound work as he continues to make good progress in his recovery. The right-hander has been sidelined due to elbow discomfort since July 17, and it's not yet clear when he'll be able to return to game action.